Root hits ton as England power on

Joe Root posted his first hundred as a Test opener as England ground down Australia to pile up a mammoth lead of 411 on day three of the second Investec Test at Lord's.

Root (103no) became the first batsman past 1,000 first-class runs this summer when he reached 70 on another day when nothing consented to go Australia's way.

Shortly after tea, with a cut for his 12th four off Ashton Agar, he completed his 247-ball century - the young Yorkshireman's second at Test level, after he also reached three-figures from number five on his home ground at Headingley against New Zealand this summer.

England consolidated their initial 233-run lead to the tune of 178 for four, which meant Australia must overturn all previous Test history at the home of cricket with a ground-record run chase if they are to level the series.

More likely, needing already to far exceed the previous-best 344 for one by West Indies in 1984, the tourists are on course at some point over the next two days to go 2-0 down with three to play.

For good measure, they also appeared to have a bona fide wicket chalked off when England's first-innings centurion Ian Bell somehow survived on three - after consultation with third umpire Tony Hill - when it seemed Steve Smith had taken a low catch as the batsman fenced Ryan Harris to gully.

The significance of the reprieve was unclear, with England so obviously in front of the game, but in a series so far full of contentious moments this decision was as unfathomable as any.